Construction materials and fastenings, analysis and testing
The two most common techniques for fibreglass, timber and composite vessels are percussion sounding and moisture testing. For delamination, decay and the condition of cored structures.
Moulded fibreglass grid liners carrying the keel, mast, shroud and engine loads are common in modern yacht construction. Visual, sounding, moisture and physical analysis techniques for any delamination as the result of a grounding.
Laminate blister analysis is based on our shipwright repair experience. There are many authoritative essays explaining the condition, its chemistry and causes, and repair methods.
Structural fastenings, keelbolts, chainplates, propellor and shafts, rigging and more present for analysis. Stainless steel and aluminium in wet substrates, starved of oxygen are prone to crevice corrosion. Dye penetrant, radiographic analysis, or straight forward replacement.
Traditional timber construction relies on thousands of metal fastenings for structural integrity. Copper, bronze, stainless and steel fastenings, wrought iron floors for cast iron ballast keels. Removal of sample fastenings is often recommended for inspection of wastage and corrosion. Electrochemical decay in way of bronze fittings and copper fastenings is a common condition.
Steel and aluminum hulls may present with galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals or electrolytic corrosion from stray current. Circuit testing with a silver chloride reference anode.
Visual inspection of oxidation, pitting and cavitation damage to shafts, propellers and fittings.